Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

Table Mountain National Park, previously known as the Cape Peninsula National Park, is a national park in Cape Town, South Africa, proclaimed on 29 May...

Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area at a Glance

Location
Western Cape & Garden Route, South Africa, Southern Africa
Coordinates
-34.154324, 18.403442
IUCN Category
II
Crowds
Quiet
Malaria Risk
None
Best Time to Visit
May to September (dry winter) for big game viewing. October to March for birdwatching and lush landscapes.

Getting to Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

Nearest airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT), 27 km away.

Nearest international airport: Cape Town International Airport (CPT), 27 km away.

Weather & Climate in Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

The warmest temperatures in Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area occur in February, averaging 19.9°C (up to 23.4°C). The coolest conditions are in August at 13.0°C.

The driest weather conditions are typically in February with average rainfall of 13.2mm. Average humidity: 75.7%.

Monthly Temperatures

  • January: 19.9°C (rainfall: 17.8mm)
  • February: 19.9°C (rainfall: 13.2mm)
  • March: 18.6°C (rainfall: 40.8mm)
  • April: 16.6°C (rainfall: 34.6mm)
  • May: 15.3°C (rainfall: 70.1mm)
  • June: 14.7°C (rainfall: 109.5mm)
  • July: 13.1°C (rainfall: 107.6mm)
  • August: 13.0°C (rainfall: 88.8mm)
  • September: 13.7°C (rainfall: 52.1mm)
  • October: 16.2°C (rainfall: 24.8mm)
  • November: 17.3°C (rainfall: 28.4mm)
  • December: 18.6°C (rainfall: 35.7mm)

Best Time to Visit Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

The best months to visit Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area are January, February, March, based on temperature, rainfall, weather conditions, and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Month-by-Month Safari Conditions

  • January: Great, temperature 19.94°C, rainfall 17.8mm, sunshine 13.1 hrs, humidity 76.4%
  • February: Great, temperature 19.95°C, rainfall 13.2mm, sunshine 12 hrs, humidity 75.7%
  • March: Great, temperature 18.58°C, rainfall 40.8mm, sunshine 10.7 hrs, humidity 79.3%
  • April: Good, temperature 16.64°C, rainfall 34.6mm, sunshine 9.7 hrs, humidity 79%
  • May: Good, temperature 15.26°C, rainfall 70.1mm, sunshine 8.7 hrs, humidity 81.4%
  • June: Poor, temperature 14.74°C, rainfall 109.5mm, sunshine 8 hrs, humidity 77.2%
  • July: Poor, temperature 13.06°C, rainfall 107.6mm, sunshine 8.3 hrs, humidity 76.7%
  • August: Good, temperature 12.97°C, rainfall 88.8mm, sunshine 9 hrs, humidity 76.1%
  • September: Good, temperature 13.68°C, rainfall 52.1mm, sunshine 10 hrs, humidity 75.6%
  • October: Good, temperature 16.17°C, rainfall 24.8mm, sunshine 11.8 hrs, humidity 75%
  • November: Good, temperature 17.28°C, rainfall 28.4mm, sunshine 12.3 hrs, humidity 74.5%
  • December: Great, temperature 18.63°C, rainfall 35.7mm, sunshine 12.9 hrs, humidity 74.3%

Wildlife in Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

Home to 82 recorded species including 42 waterbirds, 20 iconic birds, 18 birds of prey, 1 marine & freshwater, 1 tropical birds.

Recommended Packing List for Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

Based on average temperature of 16.4°C, typical conditions, humidity 77%.

  • Layered clothing - recommended for 16°C temperatures
  • Fleece or warm jacket - essential for cool mornings and evenings
  • Binoculars - essential for every game drive
  • Sun hat & sunscreen - protection from the African sun
  • Sturdy walking shoes - for bush walks and uneven terrain
  • Neutral-coloured clothing - khaki, olive, and tan blend with the bush
  • Insect repellent - essential in most safari regions
  • First aid kit - basic medical supplies for remote areas
  • Torch / headlamp - useful for evenings at camp
  • Camera with telephoto lens - capture your safari memories

Notable Species

Safari Lodges in Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area

2 safari lodges available.

Other

Similar Parks in Western Cape & Garden Route

Health & Travel Info

Health & vaccination info for South Africa

Travel advisory for South Africa

Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area FAQs

When is the best time to visit the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area for wildlife viewing, and what activities can I expect?

The best time to visit depends on your interest; for whale watching, June to November is ideal, while African penguins at Boulders Beach can be seen year-round. You can expect opportunities for snorkelling, diving in kelp forests, kayaking, or taking boat trips to spot seals, dolphins, and various seabirds.

What unique marine wildlife encounters can I have within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area?

This MPA is renowned for its African penguin colony at Boulders Beach, offering a unique chance to observe these endangered birds up close in their natural habitat. You can also snorkel or dive with playful Cape fur seals, or during migration season, witness southern right whales and humpback whales from coastal viewpoints or boat tours.

What are the typical entry fees and how do I access different parts of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area?

Accessing specific sites like Boulders Beach requires a SANParks conservation fee, which varies for citizens, SADC nationals, and international visitors. Many parts of the coastline are freely accessible, but guided tours for activities like diving, kayaking, or boat trips will have separate costs.

What specific safety considerations should I be aware of when exploring the marine environment of this protected area?

When engaging in water activities, be mindful of strong currents, cold water temperatures, and unpredictable ocean conditions, especially outside designated swimming areas. Always follow local guidance, use reputable tour operators for water-based excursions, and be aware of marine life like jellyfish or sharks, though encounters are rare.

Besides marine wildlife, what other unique activities or natural features can I explore within the Table Mountain National Park Marine Protected Area?

Beyond its incredible marine life, the MPA offers stunning coastal hiking trails with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and Table Mountain itself. You can also explore picturesque coastal towns like Simon's Town, visit historic lighthouses, or enjoy scenic drives along the Cape Peninsula, all within or adjacent to the protected area.

Recommended Books

  • The Handbook of Bird Photography by Markus Varesvuo, Jari Peltomäki & Bence Máté - Excellent for birding photographers on safari - covers technique, equipment, fieldcraft, and post-processing with stunning example images.
  • Photographing Wildlife in Africa by Paolo Torchio - Practical guide specifically for African safari photography - camera settings, lens choices, composition techniques, and how to make the most of game drives.
  • Fodor's The Complete Guide to African Safaris by Fodor's Travel - Country-by-country planning guide with lodge reviews, practical logistics, packing lists, and insider tips. Often cited as the best all-in-one safari planning resource.
  • Lonely Planet Botswana & Namibia by Lonely Planet - Covers the Okavango Delta, Chobe, Etosha, Sossusvlei, and the Skeleton Coast. Essential for self-drive safaris through two of southern Africa's wildest destinations.
  • Lonely Planet Zambia & Mozambique by Lonely Planet - From Victoria Falls and South Luangwa to Mozambique's pristine coastline. Practical advice for two of Africa's most rewarding off-the-beaten-path destinations.
  • National Geographic Kids: Safari by National Geographic - Age-appropriate wildlife facts with stunning photographs. Great for getting children excited about the animals they'll see on safari.
  • Lonely Planet Southern Africa by Lonely Planet - Covers South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique. Practical planning information with detailed park and city guides.
  • Lonely Planet South Africa, Lesotho & Eswatini by Lonely Planet - Comprehensive guide to South Africa including Kruger, Garden Route, Cape Town, and the Drakensberg. Essential for self-drive safari planning.
  • The Elephant Whisperer by Lawrence Anthony - Incredible true story of saving a herd of rogue elephants in Zululand, South Africa. A massive bestseller that will change how you see elephants forever.
  • The Last Elephants by Don Pinnock & Colin Bell - Conservation-focused book combining beautiful photography with urgent storytelling about the threats facing Africa's elephant populations.
  • Here Is the African Savanna by Madeleine Dunphy - Beautifully illustrated picture book about the savanna ecosystem. Teaches children about the interconnected web of life on an African plain.
  • Safari: A Photographic Journey by Art Wolfe - Large-format coffee-table book from one of the world's most celebrated nature photographers. Stunning images from across the African continent.
  • The Kingdon Field Guide to African Mammals by Jonathan Kingdon - The definitive mammal field guide for Africa covering over 1,150 species with detailed illustrations. Considered the gold standard for safari-goers and researchers alike.
  • The Behavior Guide to African Mammals by Richard Despard Estes - Goes beyond identification to explain why animals behave as they do. Essential reading for safari-goers who want to understand the wildlife they observe.
  • Roberts Bird Guide by Hugh Chittenden, Greg Davies & Ingrid Weiersbye - Comprehensive southern African bird guide covering 960+ species with detailed range maps and illustrations. The birder's bible for safaris in South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia.
  • Remembering Lions by Various Photographers - Part of the acclaimed Remembering Wildlife conservation book series. Features contributions from world-class wildlife photographers, with proceeds supporting lion conservation.
  • African Animals ABC by Stella Blackstone & Petr Horacek - Simple alphabet book with bold, colourful animal illustrations. Perfect for toddlers and young children preparing for their first safari. Ages 2–5.
  • Beat About the Bush: Mammals by Trevor Carnaby - The single best book for understanding animal behaviour on safari. Explains why animals do what they do - feeding, mating, territory, predator-prey dynamics. Makes every game drive infinitely more rewarding.
  • Sasol Birds of Southern Africa by Ian Sinclair, Phil Hockey & Warwick Tarboton - The southern Africa birding bible. Covers over 950 species with detailed illustrations, distribution maps, and habitat notes. The most trusted bird field guide for South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Mozambique.
  • Africa's Top Wildlife Countries by Mark W. Nolting - The most respected safari planning book in print. Detailed country-by-country guide covering parks, lodges, best times to visit, and what wildlife to expect. Updated regularly. The first book every safari planner should read.
  • The Safari Companion: A Guide to Watching African Mammals by Richard D. Estes - Part field guide, part planning tool. Explains mammal behaviour in a way that transforms game drives. Covers tracks, signs, social structures, and habitat preferences. A must-pack for serious safari-goers.
  • The Shadow of the Sun by Ryszard Kapuscinski - Widely considered the greatest book ever written about Africa. Kapuscinski spent 40 years reporting from across the continent. Vivid, poetic, and deeply insightful. Essential pre-safari reading for understanding the continent.
  • Elephant Company by Vicki Constantine Croke - The extraordinary true story of James Howard Williams and the elephants who helped him build bridges, extract teak, and ultimately rescue refugees across the Burmese jungle during WWII. Gripping and moving.
  • When the Last Lion Roars by Sara Evans - An urgent, accessible account of the African lion's decline from 200,000 to under 20,000 in a century. Covers the science, politics, and human stories behind lion conservation. Eye-opening pre-safari reading.
  • An Elephant in My Kitchen by Francoise Malby-Anthony - The moving sequel to The Elephant Whisperer, written by Lawrence Anthony's wife. Continues the story of the Thula Thula elephants after his death. A beautiful account of the bond between humans and elephants.
  • Ivory, Horn and Blood by Ronald Orenstein - The definitive book on the poaching crisis devastating African elephants and rhinos. Covers the criminal networks, the rangers fighting back, and what travellers can do. Important context for any safari visitor.
  • Last Chance to See by Douglas Adams & Mark Carwardine - Witty and heartbreaking tour of endangered species by the Hitchhiker's Guide author. Combines humour with urgent conservation messaging.
  • Owen and Mzee by Isabella Hatkoff, Craig Hatkoff & Paula Kahumbu - True story of an orphaned hippo befriending a 130-year-old tortoise in Kenya. A heartwarming tale of unlikely friendship that teaches empathy.
  • Remembering Elephants by Various Photographers - Stunning coffee-table book from the Remembering Wildlife series. All proceeds go to elephant conservation - beautiful photography with a purpose.
  • Whatever You Do, Don't Run by Peter Allison - Hilarious memoir from a Botswana safari guide - true stories from the bush that will have you laughing out loud. A favourite among safari enthusiasts.
  • Poached by Rachel Love Nuwer - Gripping investigation into the illegal wildlife trade - from African poaching networks to Asian markets. Essential reading for understanding the threats to safari wildlife.
  • Safari Nation by Jacob S. T. Dlamini - Fascinating history of South Africa's national parks and their complex colonial legacy. Academic but accessible - changes how you think about safari tourism.
  • Safari: A Photicular Book by Dan Kainen & Carol Kaufmann - Mesmerising book with moving photographic images of African animals. Kids and adults love the magical moving pictures - perfect pre-trip gift.